JHAPA: Armed Police Force (APF) Football Club secured a thrilling victory to reach the final of the LVD Jhapa Women’s Gold Cup after defeating Tribhuvan Army Football Club 4–2 in a tiebreaker.

With this win, APF has set up an all-departmental final clash against Nepal Police Club. From the very beginning, both teams adopted an attacking approach, creating continuous pressure on each other’s goalposts.

In the 26th minute, APF’s Saru Limbu’s long-range attempt narrowly missed the post. Three minutes later, Army’s forward Bimala Chaudhary headed Tulasa Bohora’s cross over the bar.

In the 39th minute, APF captain Anita Basnet’s corner found Rashmikumari Ghising, whose volley was blocked by an Army defender.

Just a minute later, Army launched a counterattack, but Tulasa Bohora’s one-on-one chance against goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar failed to convert. The second half continued in a balanced rhythm.

In the 58th minute, Rashmikumari Ghising dribbled past two defenders, but Army goalkeeper Kopila Khadka saved her shot.

However, Army took the lead in the 63rd minute after a miscommunication between APF defender Nisha Thokar and goalkeeper Anjana Rana allowed Chandra Bhandari to score easily, giving Army a 1–0 advantage.

APF pressed hard for an equalizer. In the 81st minute, a header by Ghising from captain Anita’s cross went narrowly wide.

Then, in injury time, the game took a dramatic turn. Army’s Bimala Chaudhary handled the ball, awarding APF a free kick from about 25 yards.

Captain Anita Basnet’s brilliant strike found the net, leveling the game 1–1. With the score tied at full time, the match was decided via a penalty shootout.

APF’s Sabita Rana, Anita Basnet, Nisha Thokar, and Rashmikumari Ghising scored, while Renuka Hamal’s shot was saved by Army goalkeeper Kopila Khadka.

For Army, only Bimala Bik and Anita Lamjel managed to score; Bimala Chaudhary and Sushmita Chaudhary’s attempts were saved by APF goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar.

APF goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar, who made several crucial saves, was named Player of the Match, receiving a cash prize of Rs 15,000 and a trophy. APF will now face Nepal Police Club in the final on November 10.

The highly anticipated clash between the two departmental teams is expected to make the Jhapa Women’s Gold Cup finale even more exciting. The tournament champion will receive Rs 1.01 million, while the runner-up will earn Rs 500,000.

The best player will be awarded Rs 150,000, and prizes of Rs 25,000 each will be given to the best goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, forward, coach, emerging player, and top scorer.

Each Player of the Match throughout the tournament receives Rs 15,000 and a trophy.